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Yellowstone's Backcountry Fires May Grow Today

High winds and warm temperatures today may result in increased activity on fires burning deep in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park.

The Beaverdam Fire is located east of the Southeast Arm of Yellowstone Lake. It was started by lightning on July 22. It has remained fairly quiet in recent days, due to cooler temperatures and recent rainfall. Its size is estimated at 748 acres.

Lightning started three small fires on The Promontory, a large peninsula jutting into the southern end of Yellowstone Lake, on Thursday evening. They were fairly quiet Friday, and remain estimated at one-tenth of an acre each.

The Beaverdam Fire and the Promontory Fires are being actively managed as Wildland Fires Used For Resource Benefit, since they post no threat to people or property. Firefighters are monitoring these fires on the ground, from lookout towers, and from the air.

The 2,800 acre Owl Fire in the park’s northwest corner is now considered to be over 90 percent contained. Park firefighters continue to reinforce, mop up and patrol the fire line. Unburned trees well within the containment line may still burn and produce some smoke.

All of these fires could produce a smoke column visible for several miles when actively burning.

YellowstoneNational Parkaggressively works to suppress all human-caused fires and any naturally occurring fires when they threaten people or developed areas.

The current park priority is the effort to contain the Columbine Fire, burning southwest of Sylvan Pass. Firefighters have resumed their efforts to suppress the fire this morning. They will work to slow the fire’s advance, while more firefighters and equipment arrive to help contain the fire.

All visitor services, park entrances and park roads are open. Road updates are available 24-hours a day by calling 307-344-2117.

Some backcountry trails and campsites near the Owl Fire and the Promontory Fires are temporarily closed. Updated information is available by calling the Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160 during business hours.